1 Ne. 15: Understanding the Lord

So many times I find myself at a crossroads in life and many times it can be so hard to understand which way the Lord would have us go. I love the following 2 verses: 

"Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you." (vs. 11)

 "For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought." (vs. 3)

If we are willing to open and soften our hearts, going to the Lord in prayer and being prepared for His answers, we are more likely to understand. Many times I want something so bad, but it is not His will. The Lord knows all and I just need to trust He is leading me in the right direction. There are other times I doubt myself, wanting something so bad and not thinking it could even be the slightest bit possible, when really, I just need to have faith that through God, all things are possible. The impossible can be made possible and it all begins with a strong desire and then faith in Him. He is mightier than all and can help me to achieve the impossible.

Life is not easy. We will be asked to do hard things and in turn we will benefit from it and be made stronger. Think of Nephi who was asked to go back to retrieve the Gold Plates, even along side his elder brothers who complained and had zero faith that they could get them. Nephi had to chop off the head of King Laban, something he had been taught was against the commandments. He was ridiculed and tourmented by his family, at times standing alone. But he didn't give up. He knew where there was a will, there was a way. The Lord stayed by his side every step of the way, testing his faith. We will be blessed and great things will happen if we come to the Lord in faith, and with an open heart, ask for understanding. He will answer. I promise you, He is listening. 

"And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw, that led to the tree?
"And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptation and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction." (vs 23-24)

I am striving to keep his commandments, staying on the path and holding onto the iron rod as a guide. I have always had goals and dreams in gymnastics. Many things in my life have happened, making it seem impossible to accomplish what I think the Lord wants me to accomplish. In the past month, since the Olympic games, when the Woman's US Gymnastics team earned gold, I have had many thoughts racing through my head. If they can do it, why can't I? If a 37 year old German women can be incredible on vault, why not me @ 30?

My body is falling apart and is exhausted from the stresses placed on it. But I feel strongly that He still has a mission for me in this sport. Through Him, nothing is impossible. You must have determination and faith that He will strengthen you as long as you come to Him for help. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and His guiding hand, leading me the way to success and living my life in line with his will. I know I will be happiest when I do this and

I KNOW I CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE THROUGH HIM! 

Despite my worn out knee, my aching back and shoulder, my reoccurring hernia, and my age; I can and will do this! Where there is a will there is a way! 

-Sarah M.